Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist and author of 14 books about food, will be featured at the event “An Evening with Mark Bittman: A Celebration of Farming and Food,” co-hosted by The Berry Center and Historic Locust Grove. The event is on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Locust Grove.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Kathy Cary, chef and owner of Lilly’s. Bittman will speak at 6:45 p.m. Also at this event, The Berry Center will announce a new program to improve access to financing for farmers.

Bittman will speak about the economic difficulties farmers can face in making a living.

The author’s bestsellers include “How to Cook Everything” and “Vegan Before 6 p.m.” His most recent book is “How to Cook Everything Fast.” He’s a regular on “The Today Show” and on several NPR radio programs.